Was Albany, NY the Best Grateful Dead Show of the 1995 East Coast Summer Tour?

Was Albany, NY the best Grateful Dead show from their 1995 East Coast summer tour? This question evokes much discussion amongst Deadheads, with various opinions echoing through the eons of Grateful Dead fandom. While I, personally, did not attend any 1995 shows, I have heard numerous accounts and opinions from those who did. This article aims to provide a balanced perspective based on the available information.

Discussion and Analysis

Firstly, I must admit that I have a personal preference for certain shows from the 1718 years in a row, where the audience reviewed shows based on their personal experiences. The Knickerbocker Arena, affectionately known as the Knicks, was a fan favorite due to its exemplary sound quality. Anecdotal evidence from attendees who saw the shows at the Knicks indicates that not a single person thought these shows were subpar. Each performance seemed to resonate positively among the fans, with no one deeming these shows as 'C-shows.'

Albany Show: Best or Worst?

However, opinions regarding the Albany show on June 21, 1995, vary widely, with some considering it one of the worst shows of the summer, while others hail it as the best. As a Grateful Dead enthusiast who has listened extensively to tapes, my personal take is that it is another middle-of-the-road show in a season that was below par for the band. The tour in 1995 was marked by inconsistent performances, many of which did not meet the standards set by past tours.

Several responses have highlighted that Albany may indeed have been the best show from that tour. The standout performances mentioned include the take on 'Row Jimmy' and Jerry's attempt at 'Take Me To The River.' These standout tracks suggest that the band delivered a memorable and engaging set.

East Coast and European Shows

However, the season of '95 is often considered subpar. The best performances of that summer, as judged by some die-hard fans, likely occurred 'away' from their usual haunts, particularly on the East Coast and in Europe. For Deadheads, the idea of the band delivering their best performances on tour is a compelling one, and Albany, despite being a below-par tour, might very well have stood out as a standout performance.

Delusions of the SF Dead Fan Base

A notable comment from the San Francisco Bay Area Deadheads suggests that the fan base from the Bay Area was perhaps too deluded in their assessment of the band's performances. This perspective offers a critical view, suggesting that the S.F. Bay Area fans might have had somewhat inflated opinions of the band's shows in the area compared to performances in other parts of the United States.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Albany, NY, on June 21, 1995, may well have been the best show of that tour, it is important to remember that the title 'best' in this context means 'best of a bad bunch.' The 1995 East Coast summer tour is often viewed negatively in comparison to other periods of the band's tours, making any evaluation relative to that overall context.

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Further Reading

For a deeper dive into the Grateful Dead's 1995 tour and other notable shows, explore resources like Grateful Dead discographies, fan communities, and music review websites.